FLOR 268,Dixie Iris (Iris hexagona), FLOR500, Florida, Wildflower, Art, Nature, History, Eco-art, FIU, VIVA Florida, Garden, Artists, Engaged Creativity, Environment, participatory art, Dabney Valtinson
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design as well as an Associate in Science degree in Interior Design. I have always had a love of art and art history and have been doing artwork for most of my life, getting a few commissions here and there. I used to work strictly in black and white until I discovered colored pencils in 2000. Since then I have worked primarily in this medium. I am a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA). I am currently looking to change career fields into Interior Design, hoping that my artistic abilities will be able to be used.

Artist's Statement

This particular flower
I have loved since I was a child. They used to crop up frequently in our yard,
usually in unwanted places. I love the color combination and form to the
flowers. They bring back many fond memories.

Five hundred Florida artists are sought to create art for FLOR500, a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013. For more information click here.